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Owners should measure the tank temperature with a thermometer. Their tank needs to be kept within a distinct range of 76☏ to 81☏. “Most people don’t realize that betta are tropical fish,” Dr. A low-flow filter is vital to ensure that the fish’s delicate fins are not injured by the suction of a filter. Toxins can build up over time from urine, feces, and break down of uneaten food in the water.Ī filtration system that is low flow is preferred in their tank to keep the environment clean of toxins. Water quality is vital to the health of a fish. Avoid these to keep the betta’s fins beautiful. Many decorations also have sharp edges that can easily tear the delicate fins. Betta fish love to swim around and explore their entire tank. “Decorations for a tank should never take up too much of the tank, pushing the fish to the periphery,” Dr. However, it is important to keep the betta fish in mind when choosing decorations. It can be fun to decorate a fish tank-there are so many different shapes, sizes, and colors of decorations found in pet stores and online. Instead, they should ideally be in a 5-gallon glass or plastic tank or larger.” Having an environment of this size allows the betta fish to exhibit normal activity and have less buildup of toxins in their environment. “Betta fish are often seen living in bowls that are too small to allow for normal swimming and hiding behavior,” Dr. The first thing to consider for a betta fish is its environment.
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Krista Keller, a veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana who is a board-certified specialist in zoological medicine, offers insights for owners of these pet fish. These little beauties require specific care to ensure that they stay happy and healthy. Known for their bright, beautiful coloration and elaborate fin displays, betta fish, more accurately called “Siamese fighting fish,” are a common household pet. Krista Keller has advice on the care and keeping of betta fish.
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